What is NoBo and SoBo Hiking?

If you have heard the terms “NoBo” and “SoBo” while researching you own potential hiking or backpacking adventure, then you may have questioned what they mean or what the differences are. So what is NoBo and SoBo hiking?

Simply put, a NoBo hiker is someone who is hiking northbound on a trail, while a SoBo hiker is hiking southbound. These terms are commonly used on long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.

Whether the trail you plan on hiking runs north to south or east to west, you have to choose a starting point. In terms of the long-distance trails of the United States, I’ll discuss the advantages of NoBo and SoBo hiking and what most people choose to do on their thru hikes.

What are the advantages of NoBo hiking?

Note that advantages are based on typical NoBo hiking start and end dates.

Most people attempting a thru hike of any long-distance trail opt to hike northbound. The main advantage of doing so is that you get to hike with the warmer weather. Starting in the Spring, just after the bulk of the wintry weather, you hike north as it transitions into Summer and, if a long enough thru hike, back into the Fall.

Because of the warmer weather, more people attempt their thru hikes as NoBos, and having more people is another advantage of hiking in this direction. More people around you allows for more companionship while on the trail where lifelong friendships can be established. This also means there is more likely to be someone nearby if you get into an accident, get lost, or whatever other negative situation a hiker can find themselves in.

Due to the larger amount of NoBo hikers, you’ll find that most trail magic is aimed at them, meaning that those who do trail magic, trail angels, time their outings to be more in-line with a NoBo’s schedule. This also leads to NoBos receiving more trail magic than a SoBo hiker will typically get.

What are the advantages of SoBo hiking?

Note that advantages are based on typical SoBo hiking start and end dates.

Hiking a long-distance trail southbound means you will be hiking with the cooler weather, typically finishing a trail in the Fall of Winter. This is an advantage if you prefer hiking in cooler temperatures.

Cooler temperatures will mean less bugs like mosquitos and black flies which can become a big annoyance on the trail. Ticks are also less active at temperatures below 45 degrees, reducing the chances of you getting latched onto and contracting the dreaded Lyme Disease.

Another advantage of SoBo hiking is that there is less traffic on the trail, meaning more solitude. This isn’t for everyone, but if you want to spend more time being present in the moment and less time socializing, hiking SoBo may be the better option. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a “tramily” or meet some really awesome people while hiking SoBo.

The Appalachian Trail

Most people start an Appalachian Trail thru hike heading northbound from Springer Mountain in Georgia, starting in early to mid-March, but it isn’t unusual to find people beginning their treks in February or as late as April. There are a few outliers that even begin their NoBo adventure in January or later than April!

The problem with starting a NoBo thru hike too early or late on the Appalachian Trail is that Mount Katahdin usually isn’t open until June and typically closes in October. This means you may find yourself waiting to summit Katahdin or may not make it in time if starting too late.

People who decide to hike SoBo on the Appalachian Trail can start in June, which is when people are first allowed to register for their southbound hikes. Because of this, most hikers start their SoBo thru hikes in June or early July.

A lot of people choose to go northbound on this trail because of the larger hiking community, an advantage of most NoBo hikes that I previously mentioned. More people means more trail magic which can be a huge morale boost when you need it most.

Another reason why people choose to hike NoBo is because hiking this direction can be more forgiving, especially in the early stages. Going SoBo puts you hiking the Whites early and you may not be physically prepared to tackle such rugged terrain at this point. Because of this, early drop-out rates are high for south bounders.

To me, hiking NoBo on the Appalachian Trail is more iconic because you complete your journey at the summit of Mount Katahdin as opposed to Springer Mountain, which in my opinion, just doesn’t seem as grand. However, wherever you end an Appalachian Trail thru hike, you have accomplished an amazing feat and reaching your endpoint will be a spectacular feeling regardless.

For more information about the Appalachian Trail, visit appalachiantrail.org.

You may also be interested in:

• How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?
• How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail?

The Pacific Crest Trail

Like the AT, most Pacific Crest Trail thru hikers choose to hike NoBo, starting in late April or early May. Choosing to start any earlier is risky due to snow accumulation and flooding creeks.

Going NoBo on the PCT also allows for a larger social scene, just like the Appalachian Trail. Having a large number of people hiking in close vicinity has its advantages and disadvantages, but it largely depends on what you hope to get out of the trail. If you want to seclusion with time to reflect, starting outside the bubble or considering a SoBo thru hike are some options.

Those who choose to hike the Pacific Crest Trail southbound usually start in late June to early July. If you do decide on a SoBo trek, make sure to be out of the high mountains before the heavy snow falls, typically late September to early October, as this makes the hike alarmingly dangerous and can threaten your life, even if you are experienced in hiking these mountains.

For more information about the Pacific Crest Trail, visit pcta.org.

The Continental Divide Trail

Again, most thru hikers, like the AT and PCT, attempt the Continental Divide Trail going NoBo. Most will start a NoBo trek in late April. Like the PCT, starting too early can mean dangerous snow levels and flooding creeks and rivers.

Hiking southbound on the CDT, people usually start in mid-June hoping to be done in November. You’ll also want to make sure you are out of the higher elevations before heavy snow fall.

Far less people attempt thru hikes of the CDT, so don’t expect a large social scene whether hiking NoBo or SoBo. Plus, trail magic and trail towns are much more scarce than the AT or the PCT. Due to the harder logistics and navigation, a thru hike of the Continental Divide Trail is usually for the more veteran hikers. It also usually serves as the last limb to becoming a Triple Crowner.

For more information about the Continental Divide Trail, visit continentaldividetrail.org.

Heading in the right direction

Choosing what direction to hike a long-distance trail can depend on several factors, such as your schedule and where you would prefer to end your hike. Would you rather finish on a beast of a mountain, or would you prefer to end your journey at an obelisk in the desert?

Whether you decide on attempting a NoBo or SoBo thru hike, as long as you plan accordingly and do your research, you should be able to have a safe journey. Knowing what you want out of your thru hike will ultimately help you choose which direction to go. Regardless, choosing to tackle such a spectacular adventure, you will always be heading in the right direction.